I do agree that Killer Instinct is a fantastic game but it still really sucks that EVO shuns the game.I think there is a time for a new Killer Instinct but I don't think they are ready for it yet.
I think it struggled in the esports community for a few reasons, including:
- It disappeared as a franchise for 17 years and had been known as a button masher
- Was made by a developer with no track record for making a fighting game
- Launched with a very light roster, with no committed plan to grow it (each season was up in the air based on prior season performance, leaving pros wondering if they should invest their time)
- Changed mechanics, sometimes significantly for each season, frustrating players that had to re-learn their characters and re-learn matchups
- Little to no support from MS to grow the pro scene
- Launched with a console that had a bad rep that took years to overcome, with slow sales globally as a result, whereas the competing console sold like hotcakes
Contrast the above with the games that do make EVO excited. SF came out with 16 characters vs KI's six, had a five year plan from the start, kept the mechanics stable so pros could keep getting better, put major cash prizes behind tournaments, etc. The games that do well at EVO are the ones that built reputation and communities over generations.
If MS wants KI to be a major player in the esports scene then they need to treat KI like a major player. They already did a good job overcoming the perception it's a button masher. They had a great EVO turnout for season 2 with very exciting matchups. Give it one entry per gen, committed 3-5 year plan, put some good effort into the esports scene, keep the mechanics consistent so pros don't get frustrated and discouraged from investing their time, etc.
